Community Budget Ideas 2026/27
The Merri-bek community had a say in the initiatives that were put forward to potentially be included as part of the 2026-27 Budget
Our 4-year Council Budget
Council met on 15 April 2026, to endorse the proposed 4-year Budget 2026-2030 for public exhibition.
This year's total budget is $259.6 million and continues Council's focus on core services and infrastructure, while improving our services and innovating where possible.
Some of the highlights of the budget are:
- A capital works program in 2026-2027 of $91.5 million, to improve community infrastructure and maintain community assets
- Commencing construction of the $12.5 million Brunswick Early Years Hub
- Complete detailed design for the $60 million Coburg library and piazza, working towards construction commencing in mid-2028
- Improvement to parks, open space and streetscapes ($11.0 million)
- Roads and carparks renewal and maintenance ($10.6 million)
- Footpaths, bicycle paths and transport infrastructure ($5.8 million)
Ideas from our community
The budget has been influenced by ideas submitted during our community engagement in late 2025 and early 2026. In the first stage of engagement 40 projects and initiatives were submitted that met the criteria and made it through to stage 2.
In the second stage we ran a community voting program, including 6 pop-up sessions. A total of 410 people voted on their top three projects.
Council has allocated $400,000 towards 6 finalist initiatives that have been included in the proposed budget:
- Additional tree plantation across the municipality ($60,000)
- Cool playgrounds; safe kids - additional shade for our parks ($80,000)
- Building a risky playground alongside the playground upgrade at ATC Reserve, Glenroy ($145,000)
- Providing free band programs for youth ($5,000)
- Building five additional picnic tables at parks ($50,000)
- Providing free rehearsal, art production and group space subsidies ($60,000)
Community feedback on the proposed 4-year Council Budget
The proposed 4-year Council Budget will soon be available for viewing and feedback from21 April to 21 May 2026.
You will also be able to visit our 3 customer service centres and any Merri-bek library to view the proposed budget in hard copy and give your feedback during this time.
Read the proposed Budget
- Find the rust-coloured "LOG IN/JOIN" button at the top of the page and click it to start registering.
- Select "LOG IN" if you already have a profile on Conversations Merri-bek OR select "SIGN UP" to create a new profile.
- To create your profile you will need to add: Screen name, email address, password, full name and postcode. Check the boxes that apply and click "CREATE ACCOUNT".
- You can now continue with your submission
We require you to register to complete the form to protect the integrity and fairness of the consultation.
The information you provide also helps us to meet our legislative obligations and improve our processes.
Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose. Find out more about our privacy policy here: https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/privacy...
Online submission
In-person
Come and speak to us in-person to find out more about the Budget
Tuesday 28 April 2026 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Coburg Library
Thursday 7 May 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Brunswick Library
Monday 11 May 2026 11:30 am to 01:30 pm
Glenroy Hub
More
Download a paper copy of the submission form and send it back by:
| Name | Riley Morton |
|---|---|
| Budget@merri-bek.vic.gov.au | |
| In writing | Attention Management Accounting |
Related engagement
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